"We're going to try to push our other sports — football, baseball, basketball — whatever you need," said Furlong. "Because obviously this is not going to be settled soon, at least that's the way it's sounding."

Purcell's big season on hold

This was supposed to be a big season for St. John's native and Tampa Bay Lightning player Teddy Purcell.

Teddy Purcell of St. John's was slated to play with the Tampa Bay Lightning. (CBC )

This past summer, Purcell signed a three-year contract extension with the Lightning worth $13.5 million, but it doesn't kick in until the fall of 2013.

"It's kind of an empty feeling, it's kind of confusing actually and a bit overwhelming, you don't really know what the next step is, said Purcell from Tampa Bay. "So I'm just going to stay around here, train and skate with the guys."

"I guess if it keeps going any longer I'll think about possibly going over to Europe to stay in game shape and stay ready."